The STEM Teacher is responsible for fostering a safe, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment where students take creative and intellectual risks through scientific inquiry, technological literacy, engineering design, and mathematical problem-solving. This role requires an educator who can translate extensive content knowledge into well-sequenced, hands-on, standards-aligned instruction. Instructional practices and approaches will align with the school vision, the “Three Pillars of Dual Language” (bilingualism and biliteracy, academic excellence, and sociocultural competence), and a commitment to nurturing real-world problem solvers.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Education, or a related field.
- Clearances: All required state and federal clearances.
- Certification: Candidates must meet Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) certification requirements eligible for teaching STEM concepts at the elementary level. Eligible certifications include:
- Elementary K-6, Grades PK-4, or Grades 4-8 (with recommended training or experience in STEM fields)
- Technology Education (PK-12), Art (STEAM), or Computer Science certifications matching the K–6 grade
Preferred Qualifications
- Bilingual in English and Spanish
- 2+ years of teaching experience utilizing inquiry-based, design-thinking, or project-based learning (PBL) approaches.
- Experience with elementary coding/robotics tools (e.g., Scratch, LEGO Education), the engineering design process, and digital literacy.
Professional Responsibilities
I. Planning and Preparation
- Develop STEM curriculum and scope and sequence based on the Science, Technology & Engineering, Environmental Literacy & Sustainability (STEELS) Standards. Ensure learning experiences incorporate contributions to STEM from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
- Create meaningful, interdisciplinary learning experiences that connect STEM concepts to other disciplines (literacy, visual arts, and social studies) to highlight real-world applications.
- Leverage digital tools and technology to collaborate effectively with colleagues, maintain accurate professional records, and access/share resources to support student success.
- Design well-sequenced lesson plans that utilize various modalities to support all students in meeting high expectations within an equitable and inclusive environment.
- Design and facilitate STEM-related enrichment opportunities for students, such as robotics clubs, science fairs, or coding initiatives.
II. The Classroom Environment
- Manage, maintain, and inventory STEM materials, lab equipment, and technology tools to maximize instructional time and ensure a safe physical environment for experimentation.
- Foster a collaborative learning space where students contribute to the effective functioning of the class, including the safe management of materials.
- Promote sociocultural competence by maintaining an environment where students value diversity and develop positive attitudes towards peers with diverse identities.
- Manage student behaviors in alignment with schoolwide policies, using preventative and responsive strategies that respect students’ dignity.
- Document and display student design projects, prototypes, and scientific findings throughout the school to foster a sense of pride, curiosity, and iterative growth.
III. Instruction and Assessment
Core STEM Topics: Deliver clear instruction spanning foundational STEM disciplines, including:
- The Engineering Design Process: Asking questions, defining problems, making models, and testing prototypes.
- Digital Literacy & Citizenship: Navigating technology safely, keyboarding, utilizing Google Workspace, critically evaluating online information (AI, misinformation), and cyberbullying awareness.
- Foundational Computer Science: Introductory coding logic and drag-and-drop programming (e.g., Scratch).
- Environmental & Physical Sciences: Inquiry-based experiments aligned with elementary standards.
Differentiation: Personalize instructional practices and materials to accommodate diverse learning styles, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, student interests, and varied levels of linguistic and academic readiness.
Feedback & Iteration: Provide specific feedback, offering concrete suggestions that allow students to treat mistakes as opportunities to grow and ensuring students understand their progress toward academic goals.
Assessment: Design and implement standards-based assessments, and maintain and report accurate student grades.
IV. Professional Responsibilities
- Maintain proactive communication with families regarding student performance; facilitate student connection to the community through STEM exhibitions, school-based STEM/Maker Nights, and community partnerships.
- Participate in school-wide and grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), sharing reflections and ideas to improve coherence across classrooms.
- Engage in continuous professional development to stay current with evolving educational technology, STEM and dual language pedagogy.
- Maintain accurate, comprehensive documentation of student learning and classroom inventory.
- Assist with shared responsibilities (lunch/recess supervision) and schoolwide projects to support the overall school mission.
- Maintain high standards of integrity, honesty, and respect for the norms of confidentiality and adhere to Professional Ethics standards.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vida Charter School is an equal opportunity employer. Vida Charter School does not discriminate in hiring, compensation, benefits, promotion, transfer, discipline, termination, or any other term or condition of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Pay: $51,300.00 - $63,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
